Ski Report: Welcome to Heavenly Ski Resort.
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Sitting on the border of California and Nevada, where the Sierras meet Lake Tahoe, lies Heavenly Mountain Resort. This is no ordinary ski destination – it's a winter haven that commands attention with its rugged slopes, generous snowfall, and panoramic views that would make any local proud. Here, the air is crisp, the powder is plentiful, and the vibes are as authentic as the towering aspen pines surrounding this mountainous retreat. Welcome to Heavenly, where the spirit of the Sierras meets the thrill of the slopes, creating an experience as bold and unapologetic as the landscape itself. Heavenly's has the most extensive trail footprint in Lake Tahoe, with 97 trails.
Nevada side at the top of Big Easy.
The Legacy and Growth of Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Founded in 1955 by Martin Wayne and Alex Cushing, Heavenly Mountain Resort has evolved into one of the premier ski destinations in the Lake Tahoe region. Acquired by Vail Resorts in 1973, Heavenly underwent significant growth and modernization, with expansions in the 1960s and enhancements like the iconic Heavenly Gondola in the 1980s. The resort's inclusion in the Epic Pass, introduced in 2002, further bolstered its popularity. Beyond its renowned winter sports offerings, Heavenly's allure lies in its panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
Environmental Stewardship at Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Heavenly is located partially within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, which the U.S. Forest Service manages as part of its Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. This area is indeed a designated National Forest region and falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service.
Being situated on U.S. Forest Service land means that Heavenly operates under specific guidelines and regulations to preserve the natural environment and ensure sustainable use of the public land. The partnership between ski resorts like Heavenly and the U.S. Forest Service is crucial in maintaining the balance between outdoor recreation and environmental conservation in these pristine areas.
Heavenly Mountain Stats: A Comprehensive Overview.
Location: Border of California and Nevada
Views: Lake Tahoe and Nevada deserts from the mountaintop
Size: 4,800 acres of skiable terrain
Runs: 97 named runs
Lifts: 28 lifts, including gondolas, high-speed chairlifts, and surface lifts
Elevation: Highest at 10,067 feet (3,068 meters)
Vertical Drop: 3,812 feet (1,162 meters)
Snowfall: 360 inches (914 centimeters) annually
Longest Trail: Olympic Downhill at 5.5 miles
Two Sides to Heavenly: Nevada and California.
Heavenly Mountain Resort straddles the border between California and Nevada, offering skiers and snowboarders the unique opportunity to experience the distinct flavors of both states in a single alpine destination. The California side of Heavenly is renowned for its picturesque views of Lake Tahoe and diverse terrain, ranging from gently rolling beginner slopes to challenging steeps for seasoned experts. On the Nevada side, the atmosphere takes on a lively and vibrant character, with a base area that includes casinos and entertainment options, adding a touch of excitement to the après-ski scene. While the California side showcases the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Nevada side brings a bit of nightlife flair to the mountain experience.
Navigating Heavenly's 28 Lifts and 97 Trails.
At the top of Maggie’s Run at Heavenly Ski Resort on the California side.
With twenty-eight lifts and ninety-seven trails, you will not get bored at Heavenly. There is something for every skill level, too. Don’t let the size of the mountain intimidate you. Below is a map provided by Heavenly that you can find on their site.
To learn more about getting around Heavenly, read our article "Mountain Guide: Navigating Twenty-Eight Lifts and Ninety-Seven Trails at Heavenly Ski Mountain."
Guide provided by Heavenly Mountain Resort
Dining and Après Ski at Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Heavenly offers a variety of on-mountain dining and après ski options, including:
Tamarack Lodge (California Side): At the top of the Heavenly Gondola, Tamarack Lodge offers casual dining and the 9150 bar with very friendly bartenders. You can sit out front on chairs to chill and soak up the mountain sun. Menu and hours
Lakeview Lodge (California Side): Situated near the top of the Gondola and Gun Barrel lift, this lodge provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. This is a quick-serve spot with a focus on Greek items like gyros. Menu and hours
Sky Deck (California Side): A slope-side deck at the top of the Sky Express lift, offering a place to relax and enjoy BBQ and drinks. Menu and hours
East Peak Lodge (Nevada Side): Found near the top of the gondola on the Nevada side, this lodge provides dining options with scenic views. Menu and hours
Stagecoach Lodge (Nevada Side): Situated on the Nevada side, Stagecoach Lodge offers dining options for skiers and snowboarders. Menu and hours
Tamarack Lodge 9150 Bar (California Side): Located at the top of the Heavenly Gondola, a full-service bar where you can enjoy drinks. The bartenders will give you highlights on the area and local favorites.
Sky Deck Bar (California Side): The Sky Deck, situated near the top of the Sky Express lift, might have a bar area where you can relax and enjoy beverages slope-side.
Stagecoach Lodge (Nevada Side): Offers a full-service bar.
Cafe Blue: As you ride the Gondola up, you can stop mid-way for cocktails and a view to die for. This bar sits on the observation deck.
Steins: Grab a beer here or sit inside at the Umbrella bar, which has full bar service. This spot is at the bottom of Maggie, and Patsy runs.
Lift tickets range from single days to multiple days at Heavenly. It will be less costly to book online vs the day of. Visit their site to learn more about pricing options. If you plan on skiing multiple resorts that fall into the Vail Group or skiing all season at Heavenly, I recommend purchasing the Epic Pass.
Heavenly Lift Tickets and Epic Pass Benefits.
Lift tickets at Heavenly range from single days to multiple days, with prices varying based on the time of season and booking. Typically, single-day lift tickets range from $100 to $150 for adults, while multi-day passes can offer better value, starting at around $270 for a 3-day pass. Booking online is less costly than booking on the day of. Visit their official website to learn more about specific pricing options and discounts.
Purchase the Epic Pass if you plan on skiing multiple resorts in the Vail Group or skiing all season at Heavenly.
Benefits of the Epic Pass at Heavenly.
The Epic Pass is a famous multi-resort season pass offered by Vail Resorts, providing access to numerous ski resorts across the United States and internationally. Here are some expected benefits associated with the Epic Pass:
Access to Multiple Resorts: Epic Pass has 37 resorts in California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as some international locations. To get the complete list, visit here.
20% Off Food and Beverage
20% Off Lodging
20% Off Ski & Snowboard School
20% Off Ski & Snowboard Rentals
And much more
Best Lodging Options When Visiting Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Any destination has many options, from hotels and motels to Airbnb. The following is a list of some of the most popular places to stay. Some are right next to the Gondola and very close to access to the slopes:
Heavenly Village Condos: We stayed at the Heavenly Village Condos, and they were incredibly convenient. Located near the gondola, these condos offer easy access to the slopes and the vibrant Heavenly Village. With spacious accommodations, modern amenities, and the cozy feel of a home away from home, they're a fantastic choice for families and groups.
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel: A luxurious all-suite hotel located at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort, offering spacious accommodations and excellent amenities.
Marriott's Timber Lodge: Located in Heavenly Village, this upscale resort offers luxurious villas with full kitchens and fireplaces, ideal for families and groups.
The Landing Resort & Spa: A high-end lakeside resort offering luxurious rooms and suites with fireplaces and balconies, perfect for a romantic or relaxing retreat.
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe: A boutique hotel with a cozy, rustic vibe. It is located near the lake and Heavenly Village and offers a unique and comfortable stay.
Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village: A family-friendly resort located in Heavenly Village, offering spacious suites and convenient access to the gondola.
Blue Jay Lodge: This is a more budget-friendly option. It offers comfortable accommodations and a hot tub and is within driving distance of the slopes. You can book here.
Our Thoughts: We Loved Heavenly Ski Resort.
Kelly giving Heavenly Skit Resort a thumbs up.
During our recent visit to Heavenly Ski Resort, where we only had the chance to ski two green slopes, one standout highlight was the friendly staff. The warm and welcoming attitude of the resort's team added an extra layer of enjoyment to our experience. The staff's kindness and professionalism, from assistance on the slopes to helpful recommendations, left a positive impression. While our time on the slopes was limited due to the lack of snow (opening week), the demeanor of the Heavenly Ski Resort staff contributed significantly to our overall positive thoughts about the resort. We look forward to returning and exploring what this friendly mountain destination offers.
Learn More: Explore Our Blogs and YouTube Videos on Other Great Lake Tahoe Destinations.
Blogs:
Mountain Guide: Navigating Twenty-Eight Lifts and Ninety-Seven Trails at Heavenly Ski Mountain.
Discover Truckee, California: Where Pioneers Forged a Home in the Heart of the Sierra Nevada.
